Weighted apparel and related manufacturing methods

ABSTRACT

Weighted apparel designed for training and/or weight loss, for example, along with related manufacturing methods. In some embodiments, a plurality of spherical weighted elements may be positioned within one or more tunnels formed within a piece of fabric. The tunnels may be sealed such that the weighted elements are contained within the tunnels and add a desired amount of weight to the fabric according to the number of weighted elements and the density of the material of such weighted elements. The fabric may be incorporated into a piece of apparel, such as shirts, pants, hats, belts, gloves, socks, ankle or wrist bands, shin guards, or full body suits, for example.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of weighted apparel designedfor training and/or weight loss, for example, along with relatedmanufacturing methods. In some embodiments, a plurality of weightedelements, such as spherical weighted elements in some embodiments, maybe positioned within one or more chambers, such as tunnels, formedwithin a piece of fabric. The chambers may be sealed such that theweighted elements are contained therein and add a desired amount ofweight to the fabric according to the number of weighted elements andthe density of the material of such weighted elements. The fabric mayform a weighted region that may be incorporated into a piece of apparel,such as shirts, pants, hats, belts, gloves, socks, ankle or wrist bands,shin guards, or full body suits, for example.

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is the energy expended foreverything we do that is not sleeping, eating or sports-like exercise.It ranges from the energy expended walking to work, typing, performingyard work, undertaking agricultural tasks and fidgeting. Even trivialphysical activities increase metabolic rate substantially and it is thecumulative impact of a multitude of exothermic actions that culminate inan individual's daily NEAT. It is, therefore, not surprising that NEATexplains a vast majority of an individual's non-resting energy needs.Epidemiological studies highlight the importance of culture in promotingand quashing NEAT. Agricultural and manual workers have high NEAT,whereas wealth and industrialization appear to decrease NEAT.Physiological studies demonstrate, intriguingly, that NEAT is modulatedwith changes in energy balance; NEAT increases with overfeeding anddecreases with underfeeding. Thus, NEAT could be a critical component inhow we maintain our body weight and/or develop obesity or lose weight.The mechanism that regulates NEAT is unknown. However, hypothalamicfactors have been identified that specifically and directly increaseNEAT in animals. By understanding how NEAT is regulated we may come toappreciate that spontaneous physical activity is not spontaneous at allbut carefully programmed. The present inventor therefore anticipatesthat various embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be usefulfor increasing NEAT, among other benefits.

The inventive materials and processes described herein may be useful fora variety of purposes, such as for being worn underneath normal clothingto facilitate weight loss, for athletic training, and the like. Due tothe prevalence of concussions in football and other contact sports andthe recent awareness of the potentially devastating effects of suchconcussions, the present inventor contemplates that some embodiments maybe particularly useful for neck strength training, which may helpprevent concussions and/or reduce the severity of concussions.

In an example of a piece of weighted apparel according to someembodiments, the apparel may comprise one or more weighted regionscomprising a plurality of weighted elements, such as spherical weightedelements in certain preferred embodiments. The weighted elements may bepositioned within one or more tunnels or other chambers formed withinthe fabric of the apparel. The tunnels may be sealed such that theweighted elements are contained within the tunnels and add a desiredamount of weight to the fabric according to the number of weightedelements and the density of the material of such weighted elements.

In a more specific example of a weighted apparel item, such as a shirt,a pair of pants, a hat, a belt, a glove, a sock, an ankle band, a wristband, or a body suit, for example, according to some embodiments, theweighted apparel item may comprise a fabric, such as preferably aflexible and/or stretchable fabric, formed into a shape to be worn by auser. A plurality of chambers, such as tunnels, may be formed within thefabric. A plurality of weighted elements, such as spherical weightedelements in preferred embodiments, may be positioned within each of theplurality of tunnels to add a desired amount of weight to the apparelitem.

In some embodiments, one or more (in some embodiments, each) of theplurality of tunnels may comprise a single row of spherical or otherweighted elements. Alternatively, one or more of the plurality oftunnels may comprise a plurality of rows of spherical or other weightedelements.

In some embodiments in which the weighted elements are spherical, thespherical weighted elements may comprise ball bearings, such as copper,steel, tungsten, platinum, silver, gold, or another metal or othersuitably dense material.

To maintain some degree of flexibility and add comfort to the material,preferably the spherical or other weighted elements are relatively smallin size. Thus, for example, in some preferred embodiments, each of theplurality of weighted elements comprises a maximal dimension (a diameterin the case of spherical weighted elements) of no more than about 10 mm.More preferably, each of the weighted elements comprises a maximaldimension of no more than about 8 mm. Even more preferably, each of theweighted elements comprises a maximal dimension of no more than about 5mm.

In some embodiments, the tunnels, or at least a portion of the tunnels,may be formed to extend parallel, or at least substantially parallel, toone another, or to at least one adjacent tunnel of the plurality oftunnels.

In another example of a weighted apparel item according to otherembodiments, the item may comprise a first fabric sheet and a secondfabric sheet coupled to the first fabric sheet. The apparel item maycomprise one or more weighted regions and one or more unweightedregions. For example, one or more of the weighted regions may comprise aplurality of weighted elements positioned in between the first fabricsheet and the second fabric sheet. Each of the weighted elements may beconfigured to contact at least one adjacent weighted element to maintainat least limited flexibility of the weighted apparel item in theweighted region(s).

Some embodiments may comprise one or more chambers, such as tunnels,which may be defined at least in part by the first fabric sheet and thesecond fabric sheet. Each of the plurality of weighted elements may bepositioned within the one or more chambers. Preferably each of theplurality of weighted elements is spherical or at least substantiallyspherical.

In some embodiments, the one or more chambers may comprise a pluralityof elongated tunnels. In some such embodiments, at least a subset of theplurality of elongated tunnels may extend at least substantiallyparallel to at least one other elongated tunnel of the plurality ofelongated tunnels.

Preferably, the fabric of the apparel item is flexible and therefore mayinclude, at least in part, a flexible, stretchable material, such asspandex, polyester, and/or neoprene.

In some embodiments, the weighted apparel item may further comprise oneor more unweighted regions. Preferably, such region or regions are inthe areas of the apparel item that are likely to encounter the highestdegree of stretching during everyday use, such as elbow regions, kneeregions, finger regions, and the like. The unweighted region(s) may bedefined by a single layer of material or, similar to the weightedregions in preferred embodiments, may comprise two or more layers ofmaterial.

In an example of a manufacturing method for manufacturing weightedapparel according to some implementations, the method may comprisecoupling a first fabric sheet to a second fabric sheet. Preferably, bothfabric sheets are defined by a flexible and stretchable material. Aplurality of elongated chambers, such as tunnels, may be formed inbetween the first fabric sheet and the second fabric sheet. One or moreweighted regions may be formed by inserting a plurality of weightedelements, such as spherical or at least substantially spherical weightedelements, within each elongated chamber of the plurality of elongatedchambers. In some implementations, each of the weighted elements may beinserted into an elongated chamber such that each of the plurality ofweighted elements is configured to contact one or more adjacent weightedelements and/or to maintain flexibility of the weighted region. An itemof apparel, including any of those items mentioned herein or any othersreadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, may then bemanufacture including one or more of the aforementioned weightedregions.

In some implementations, the step of forming the plurality of elongatedchambers may comprise forming a plurality of at least substantiallyparallel sew lines connecting the first fabric sheet to the secondfabric sheet.

In some implementations, the step of forming a weighted region maycomprise inserting an at least substantially maximal number of weightedelements in each of the plurality of elongated chambers and closing twoopposite ends of each of the plurality of elongated chambers.

The features, structures, steps, or characteristics disclosed herein inconnection with one embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner inone or more alternative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The written disclosure herein describes illustrative embodiments thatare non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Reference is made to certain ofsuch illustrative embodiments that are depicted in the figures, inwhich:

FIG. 1 depicts various stages during a process for manufacturing a pieceof weighted fabric that may be used for or incorporated into an item ofapparel according to some implementations;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a pair of gloves comprising a weightedregion according to some embodiments with the weighted elements shown inphantom;

FIG. 3 depicts a shirt comprising a weighted region according to someembodiments with the weighted elements shown in phantom;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cap comprising a weighted regionaccording to some embodiments with the weighted elements shown inphantom;

FIG. 5 depicts a sock comprising a weighted region according to someembodiments with the weighted elements shown in phantom;

FIG. 6 depicts a jacket comprising a weighted region according to someembodiments with the weighted elements shown in phantom;

FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of a weighted region of a piece ofmaterial according to other embodiments;

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of a weighted region of another piece ofmaterial comprising a weighted region according to still otherembodiments;

FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a weighted region of another piece ofmaterial comprising a weighted region according to further embodiments;

FIG. 10A is a partial plan view of a weighted region of a piece ofmaterial according to additional embodiments;

FIG. 10B is a plan view of another piece of material during a process offorming a weighted region in the material according to yet otherembodiments;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a weighted beanie according to yet otherembodiments;

FIG. 12 depicts a weighted beanie according to still other embodimentsbeing used as an insert for a ball cap;

FIGS. 13A-13C depict various views of a weighted open-finger gloveaccording to additional embodiments;

FIGS. 14A-14C depict various views of a weighted closed-finger gloveaccording to some embodiments;

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict a pair of weighted pants according to someembodiments;

FIGS. 16A and 16B depict a long-sleeved, weighted shirt according tosome embodiments;

FIGS. 17A and 17B depict a sleeveless, weighted shirt according to someembodiments;

FIGS. 18A and 18B depict another sleeveless, weighted shirt comprisingan unweighted section in a particular location according to otherembodiments; and

FIGS. 19A and 19B depict yet another sleeveless, weighted shirtaccording to still other embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the presentdisclosure, as generally described and illustrated in the drawingsherein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the apparatus is not intended to limit the scope of thedisclosure, but is merely representative of possible embodiments of thedisclosure. In some cases, well-known structures, materials, oroperations are not shown or described in detail.

Various embodiments of apparatus and methods are disclosed herein thatrelate to adding weight to wearable items in desired locations andamounts for purposes of athletic training, general weight loss, and thelike. In some embodiments disclosed herein, relatively small weighteditems (relative to the adjacent body portions) may be added to apparelin desired regions by inserting the small, weighted items, such as ballbearings or BBs, into channels, tunnels, or other chambers that may beformed between two adjacent sheets of fabric or other material, and thensealing the chamber(s).

The embodiments of the disclosure may be best understood by reference tothe drawings, wherein like parts may be designated by like numerals. Itwill be readily understood that the components of the disclosedembodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figuresherein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following detailed description of theembodiments of the apparatus and methods of the disclosure is notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merelyrepresentative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In addition,the steps of a method do not necessarily need to be executed in anyspecific order, or even sequentially, nor need the steps be executedonly once, unless otherwise specified. Additional details regardingcertain preferred embodiments and implementations will now be describedin greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts various stages during a manufacturing method according tosome implementations for manufacturing a piece of weighted fabric 100that may be used for an item of apparel or otherwise incorporated intosuch an item of apparel. As shown in this figure, two sheets of fabric102 and 104 may be sewn or otherwise coupled together. For example, inthe depicted embodiment, a sew line 105 may be used to couple sheets 102and 104 about the respective edges of the two sheets. In preferredembodiments, sheets 102 and 104 may comprise a flexible and/orstretchable material, such as a spandex material, a polyester material,a neoprene material, or the like.

In the depicted embodiment, a region of the periphery or edge ofweighted fabric 100 comprising a weighted region 120 of the fabric maybe left without a sew line 105. This region may be on just one edge ofweighted region 120, as shown in the figure, or may be along twoopposing edges of weighted region 120.

A series of chambers or tunnels 106 may then be formed in the materialby, for example, sewing or otherwise forming a plurality of sew lines107 or other attachment lines into the material such that, as depictedin FIG. 1, each pair of adjacent sew lines 107 forms a chambercomprising a tunnel 106 having an opening at one or both ends. Tunnels106 are, in the depicted embodiment, formed in straight, parallel linesextending across the fabric piece 100. However, as discussed in greaterdetail below, a wide variety of alternative configurations arecontemplated, some of which need not comprise straight lines and/or maycomprise other types of chambers for receiving and containing items toadd weight to the fabric, preferably for use in connection with awearable item of apparel.

As shown in the third step depicted in FIG. 1, following the formationof tunnels 106, a plurality of weighted elements 110 may be insertedinto the tunnels. In the depicted embodiment, weighted elements 110comprise spherical elements, such as ball bearings or BBs. Preferably,weighted elements 110 are made up of a material that is more dense thanthe material making up fabric sheets 102 and 104. For example, in somepreferred embodiments, weighted elements 110 may comprise a metallicmaterial, such as copper, steel, tungsten, platinum, silver, gold, orthe like. However, ceramic materials or other non-metallic materials,such as curable gels, may be used in other embodiments. In addition,although spherical weighted elements 110 may be preferred due to theease with which they interact with adjacent weighted elements 110, whichmay provide desired flexibility to the material, other embodiments arecontemplated in which non-spherical weighted elements may be used, suchas ovoids, cylinders, cubes or other cuboids, etc. For some uses, copperweighted elements may be preferred due to their antibacterialcharacteristics. It may also be preferred for some embodiments that eachof the plurality of weighted elements is able to contact one or moreadjacent weighted elements within its respective tunnel or otherchamber.

Following the insertion of weighted elements 110, preferably in a mannersuch that weighted elements 110 entirely, or at least substantiallyentirely, fill the space defining each of the formed tunnels 106, theopenings to the tunnels 106 may be sealed. Thus, in preferredembodiments and implementations, a maximal, or at least substantiallymaximal, number of weighted elements 110 may be inserted in each of theplurality of the tunnels 106. In other words, preferably a sufficientnumber of weighted elements 110 are inserted into each tunnel 106 sothat the weighted elements 110 are able to move slightly back and forthbut cannot move past or overlap on one another. Preferably the number ofweighted elements 110 also allows for some flexibility to the weightedregion of the resulting apparel item. To close tunnels 106, sew line 105may be extended along the edge of the opening or openings of each of thetunnels 106 to close tunnels 106 and prevent the weighted elements 110from exiting tunnels 106.

FIG. 2 depicts a first example of a type of material that can comprise aweighted region 220, namely, a weighted glove 200. Weighted region 220may be formed in similar manner to that described above in connectionwith FIG. 1. More particularly, a plurality of BBs or other weightedelements 210 may be inserted into tunnels 206 or other chambers tosecure them in place. As also previously described, a series of sewlines 207 or other attachment lines may be formed to define tunnels 206,which tunnels 206 may be sealed by a peripheral sew line 205 or othersuitable attachment line or means for sealing a tunnel or other chamberfor containing weighted elements.

As shown in FIG. 2, it may be preferred that weighted region 220 isformed in one or more regions of the apparel that are likely to requireless flexibility. Thus, with respect to a weighted glove 200, forexample, the weighted region 220 may be formed on a region of glove 200that will be positioned adjacent to the back of a wearer's hand and notalong the fingers of the glove 200.

FIG. 3 depicts a second example of a type of apparel that can comprise aweighted region 320, namely, a weighted shirt 300. Again, weightedregion 320 may be manufactured by any of the methods described elsewhereherein and may comprise any of the various elements described elsewhereherein. Also, although weighted region 320 is shown positioned on just amiddle portion of the front of shirt 300, it should be understood thatweighted region 320 may extend around the back of the shirt and, inother embodiments, may be positioned along other regions of the shirt300, such as along the shoulder and/or arm regions of shirt 300. In someembodiments, the entire surface area of shirt 300 may be augmented byweighted elements, or multiple separated weighted regions may beprovided as desired.

FIG. 4 depicts a third example of a type of apparel that can comprise aweighted region 420, namely, a weighted hat 400. Again, weighted region420 may be manufactured by any of the methods described elsewhere hereinand may comprise any of the various elements described elsewhere herein.Weighted hats, such as the one depicted in FIG. 4, may be particularlyuseful for improving neck strength, which may help athletes prone toconcussion, such as football players, avoid concussions or at leastminimize their occurrence and/or severity.

FIG. 5 depicts a fourth example of a type of apparel that can comprise aweighted region 520, namely, a weighted sock 500. Again, weighted region520 may be manufactured by any of the methods described elsewhere hereinand may comprise any of the various elements described elsewhere herein.In this depicted embodiment, weighted region 520 extends about the sock500 in the region of a wearer's ankle. This may allow the wearer to alsowear shoes without the potential discomfort of having the weightedelements compressed against their feet by the shoes. However, again, awide variety of alternative options are contemplated. For example,weighted elements may be positioned elsewhere, may be incorporated intoa shoe instead of a sock, and/or may be incorporated into an ankle band(or wrist band) instead of a sock.

FIG. 6 depicts a fifth example of a type of apparel that can comprise aweighted region 620, namely, a weighted jacket 600. Again, weightedregion 620 may be manufactured by any of the methods described elsewhereherein and may comprise any of the various elements described elsewhereherein. In this depicted embodiment, there are two weighted regions 620incorporated into the shoulder regions of the jacket. However, again,this is only an example and a variety of alternative options arecontemplated. In addition, although weighted region 620 is depicted asbeing positioned on an exterior surface of the apparel depicted in FIG.6, it is contemplated that, in other embodiments, weighted region 620may be positioned along an inner surface of jacket 600, or any of theother items of apparel illustrated and/or discussed herein. Similarly,in some embodiments, one or more added layers of padding or othermaterial may be provided above the weighted region 620 and/or below theweighted region 620. This added material may be useful in order toprovide additional comfort and/or mask the visibility of the weightedelements contained within weighted region 620.

FIG. 7 depicts a portion of a weighted piece of fabric with weightedelements 710 depicted in phantom according to other embodiments. Theembodiment of FIG. 7 differs from those previously depicted in that eachweighted element 710 is contained within its own chamber. Moreparticularly, rather than defining a tunnel by way of a set of parallelsew lines or other attachment lines, two sets of parallel sew lines, oneextending perpendicular to the other, are formed, namely a first set ofsew lines 707A extending horizontally across the material and a secondset of sew lines 707B extending vertically across the material.

FIG. 8 depicts another portion of a weighted piece of fabric withweighted elements 810 depicted in phantom according to still otherembodiments. The embodiment of FIG. 8 differs from those previouslydepicted in that the sew lines 807 are formed in concentric circleswithin weighted region 820. Thus, weighted region 820 comprises a seriesof curved, parallel sew lines to form curved tunnels therein forcontaining the weighted elements 810. Obviously, the depiction ofcircular sew lines and tunnels is exemplary only and any other suitableshape or pattern of tunnels or other chambers for weighted elements 810may be used as desired. Thus, for example, curved tunnels may be formedthat are intended to extend along particular body contours and/orregions of expected movement by the wearer of the apparel to improvecomfort and/or function. In addition, although weighted region 820 isshown separated from the peripheral sew line 805, as mentionedpreviously, the peripheral sew line 805 may be used to define and/orclose one or more of the tunnels in other embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts another portion of a weighted piece of fabric withweighted elements 910 depicted in phantom according to yet otherembodiments. The embodiment of FIG. 9 differs from those previouslydepicted in that weighted region 920 is defined by a single tunneldefined by a single sew line 907 extending in a spiral loop in weightedregion 920. Again, the depiction of a generally circular sew line 907and tunnel is exemplary only and any other suitable shape or pattern oftunnels or other chambers for weighted elements 910 may be used asdesired. In addition, although weighted region 920 is shown separatedfrom the peripheral sew line 905, again, the peripheral sew line 905 maybe used to define and/or close one or more of the tunnels in otherembodiments.

In addition, it should be understood that the features of the embodimentof FIG. 9, or any of the other embodiments shown and/or describedherein, may be combined with features of any other embodiment shownand/or described herein. Thus, for example, apparel may be formedcomprising one weighted region defined by straight parallel sew linesand another by circular or spiral sew lines. Or a single weighted regionmay include a combination of such sew lines, other attachment means, orother weighted elements, as desired.

FIG. 10A depicts yet another portion of a weighted piece of fabric withweighted elements 1010 depicted in phantom according to otherembodiments. The embodiment of FIG. 10A differs from those previouslydepicted in that parallel sew lines 1007 are formed further apart fromone another such that multiple adjacent weighted elements 1010 canextend adjacent to one another not just along the length of the tunnelsbut also along their respective widths. Embodiments with suchconfigurations, or similar configurations, may be useful in order tominimize the amount of stitching or other means for defining chambersfor containing weighted elements.

FIG. 10B depicts yet another portion of a piece of fabric comprising aweighted region 1020 according to still other embodiments. In theembodiment of FIG. 10B, a series of parallel sew lines 1007 are formedsuch that each pair of adjacent sew lines 1007 forms a tunnel therein,as previously mentioned. However, unlike the spherical weighted elementspreviously depicted, a curable gel 1011 may be introduced via, forexample, a tube 60, into each of the tunnels. Once this gel hardens, aset of weighted elements 1011 from the cured gel may form within eachrespective tunnel.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a weighted beanie 1100. Weighted region 1120,which is only positioned on the top portion of beanie 1100, againcomprises a plurality of parallel tunnels defined by sew lines 1107 eachhaving a plurality of weighted elements 1110 positioned therein to addweight in desired locations.

FIG. 12 depicts another weighted beanie 1200 according to otherembodiments. In this figure, beanie 1200 is shown being used as aninsert for a ball cap 50. Beanie 1200 may be attached directly to cap 50or may simply be worn over cap 50. In addition, although weighted region1220 again comprises a plurality of tunnels defined by parallel sewlines 1207, weighted region is absent on the top of beanie 1200, whichmay provide enhanced comfort for certain applications.

FIGS. 13A-13C depict various views of a weighted open-finger glove 1300comprising weighted regions 1320A and 1320B. Weighted region 1320A ispositioned on a cuff 1303 of glove 1300 and comprises a plurality of sewlines 1307 or other attachment lines that are used to contain aplurality of weighted elements 1310 comprising BBs or other sphericalelements. Weighted region 1320B is positioned on a back portion of glove1300 and similarly comprises a plurality of sew lines 1307 or otherattachment lines that are used to contain a plurality of weightedelements 1310.

FIGS. 14A-14C depict various views of a weighted closed-finger glove1400 according to some embodiments. Glove 1400 is similar to glove 1300in that glove 1400 comprises two weighted regions—weighted region 1420Apositioned on a cuff 1403 of glove 1400 and comprising a plurality ofsew lines 1407 or other attachment lines that are used to contain aplurality of weighted elements 1410 and weighted region 1420B positionedon a back portion of glove 1400 and comprising a plurality of sew lines1407 or other attachment lines that are used to contain a plurality ofweighted elements 1410.

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict a pair of weighted pants 1500 according to someembodiments. Pants 1500 comprise a pair of weighted regions 1520A on thefront thigh portion of the pants and a pair of weighted regions 1520Bwrapping around the calf region of the pants. Each of the variousweighted regions may again comprise tunnels for containing a pluralityof spherical or other weighted elements to add weight for variouspurposes, such as athletic training and weight loss.

FIGS. 16A and 16B depict a long-sleeved, weighted shirt 1600 accordingto some embodiments. Shirt 1600 comprises two pairs of weighted regionson each sleeve, namely regions 1620A and 1620B, with an unweightedregion in between the region of the wearer's elbow, which is typicallythe most flexed region in the shirt. Thus, some embodiments may beconfigured to avoid weighted regions in the areas requiring the mostflexibility. Two other pairs of weighted regions (weighted regions1620C) are formed on opposing sides of the front of shirt 1600, as shownin FIG. 16A, and two additional pairs of weighted regions (weightedregions 1620D) are formed on opposing sides of the back of shirt 1600,as shown in FIG. 16B. Unweighted regions of shirt 1600 may extend instrips across the front and/or back of the shirt, as also shown in thesefigures, which may add to user comfort.

FIGS. 17A and 17B depict a sleeveless, weighted shirt 1700 according tosome embodiments. Shirt 1700 is similar to shirt 1600 other than lackingsleeves. Thus, two pairs of weighted regions (weighted regions 1720A)are formed on opposing sides of the front of shirt 1700, as shown inFIG. 17A, and two additional pairs of weighted regions (weighted regions1720B) are formed on opposing sides of the back of shirt 1700, as shownin FIG. 17B.

FIGS. 18A and 18B depict another embodiment of a sleeveless, weightedshirt 1800. Thus, weighted shirt 1800 comprises a front pair of weightedregions 1820B and a rear pair of weighted regions 1820A. However,weighted regions 1820A extend over the shoulder regions onto an upperportion of the front of shirt 1800 (of course, these shoulder regionsmay remain unweighted in other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 17A and17B). In addition, an unweighted section is formed on the chest regionof shirt 1800, which may be preferable for female apparel, for example.

In still other embodiments, a single pair of weighted regions (or asingle weighted region) may extend along opposing sides of the shirt onboth sides. Thus, for example, FIGS. 19A and 19B depict yet anothersleeveless, weighted shirt 1900 a single pair of weighted regions 1920Amay extend along opposing sides of the shirt on both sides withoutproviding any unweighted regions (other than along small strips alongthe center and sides of the shirt in some embodiments).

It will be understood by those having skill in the art that changes maybe made to the details of the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the underlying principles presented herein. Any suitablecombination of various embodiments, or the features thereof, iscontemplated.

Any methods disclosed herein comprise one or more steps or actions forperforming the described method. The method steps and/or actions may beinterchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific orderof steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment,the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified.

Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or “the embodiment” means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with thatembodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the quotedphrases, or variations thereof, as recited throughout this specificationare not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description ofembodiments, various features are sometimes grouped together in a singleembodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose ofstreamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure, however, is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require morefeatures than those expressly recited in that claim. Rather, inventiveaspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any singleforegoing disclosed embodiment. It will be apparent to those havingskill in the art that changes may be made to the details of theabove-described embodiments without departing from the underlyingprinciples set forth herein. The scope of the present invention should,therefore, be determined only by the following claims.

1. A weighted apparel item, comprising: a fabric formed into a shape tobe worn by a user; a plurality of tunnels formed within the fabric; anda plurality of spherical weighted elements positioned within each of theplurality of tunnels to add weight to the apparel item.
 2. The weightedapparel item of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tunnelscomprises a single row of spherical weighted elements.
 3. The weightedapparel item of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tunnelscomprises a plurality of rows of spherical weighted elements.
 4. Theweighted apparel item of claim 1, wherein the spherical weightedelements comprise ball bearings.
 5. The weighted apparel item of claim4, wherein the spherical weighted elements comprise a copper material.6. The weighted apparel item of claim 1, wherein each of the pluralityof tunnels is at least substantially parallel to at least one adjacenttunnel of the plurality of tunnels.
 7. The weighted apparel item ofclaim 1, wherein the weighted apparel item comprises one of a shirt, apair of pants, a hat, a belt, a glove, a sock, an ankle band, a wristband, and a body suit.
 8. The weighted apparel item of claim 1, whereineach of the plurality of weighted elements comprises a maximal dimensionof no more than about 8 mm.
 9. A weighted apparel item, comprising: afirst fabric sheet; a second fabric sheet coupled to the first fabricsheet; and a weighted region comprising a plurality of weighted elementspositioned in between the first fabric sheet and the second fabricsheet, wherein each of the plurality of weighted elements is configuredto contact at least one adjacent weighted element to maintain at leastlimited flexibility of the weighted apparel item in the weighted region.10. The weighted apparel item of claim 9, further comprising one or morechambers defined at least in part by the first fabric sheet and thesecond fabric sheet, wherein each of the plurality of weighted elementsis positioned within the one or more chambers.
 11. The weighted apparelitem of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of weighted elements isat least substantially spherical.
 12. The weighted apparel item of claim11, wherein the one or more chambers comprise a plurality of elongatedtunnels, and wherein at least a subset of the plurality of elongatedtunnels extends at least substantially parallel to at least one otherelongated tunnel of the plurality of elongated tunnels.
 13. The weightedapparel item of claim 9, wherein the weighted apparel item comprises atleast one of spandex, polyester, and neoprene.
 14. The weighted apparelitem of claim 9, wherein the weighted apparel item further comprises oneor more unweighted regions.
 15. The weighted apparel item of claim 14,wherein each of the one or more unweighted regions are defined by asingle layer of material.
 16. A method for manufacturing weightedapparel, the method comprising the steps of: coupling a first fabricsheet to a second fabric sheet; forming a plurality of elongatedchambers in between the first fabric sheet and the second fabric sheet;forming a weighted region by inserting a plurality of weighted elementswithin each elongated chamber of the plurality of elongated chamberssuch that each of the plurality of weighted elements is configured tocontact one or more adjacent weighted elements and to maintainflexibility of the weighted region; and forming an item of apparel withthe weighted region.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein each of theplurality of elongated chambers comprises a tunnel.
 18. The method ofclaim 17, wherein the step of forming the plurality of elongatedchambers comprises forming a plurality of at least substantiallyparallel sew lines connecting the first fabric sheet to the secondfabric sheet.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the weighted elementsare spherical in shape.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step offorming a weighted region comprises: inserting an at least substantiallymaximal number of weighted elements in each of the plurality ofelongated chambers; and closing two opposite ends of each of theplurality of elongated chambers.